Friday, October 11, 2024

Author Interview: Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton

Escape to Whispering Creek JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Escape to Whispering Creek

Title: Escape to Whispering Creek
Author:
Barbara M. Britton
Publisher:
White Rose Publishing
Release Date:
September 27, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors' money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend' s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up... until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart? 

Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade' s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he's come to love in danger.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barbara M Britton | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt: Sam & Emma talking about Jesus.


Sam linked her arm. “Jesus is our rock. He’ll give us wisdom and protection.”

“I know.” Emma forced a smile. “It’s just that with this scandal, it seems there are a few pebbles between my feet and the rock. I get an unsteady feeling. Like I’m reaching for God and He’s backing away.”

“Those pebbles are in your imagination. God knows every detail of what is happening in your life. Satan might be pitching fast balls, but God’s got an enormous glove and perfect reflexes.”

Emma laughed. “Spoken by a teacher who pulled recess duty.”

Also Available

Christmas at Whispering Creek


About the Author

Barbara M. Britton

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian romantic adventures for teens and adults from Bible Times to present-day USA. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

Connect with Barbara by visiting barbarambritton.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write Escape to Whispering Creek?

Barbara: I loved writing the character of Emma in “Christmas at Whispering Creek.” Emma was fun and forthright. I decided Emma needed to find love in Tennessee like her best friend Samantha. I challenged spunky Emma with a string of unexpected events. When her life is turned upside down, Emma is forced to stand on the Rock—Jesus!

Emma’s favorite verse is Psalm 18:2a: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. She needs that inspiration to straighten out her troubles.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Barbara: It takes me about nine months to write a story and then edit the pages. I wrote this story when many family members were going through health issues and needed surgery. I thank my critique partners for keeping me on track. It would have been easy to stop writing or take a break from the story. God was faithful and I finished the story despite traveling to take care of family members.

Wade goes through a health crisis of his own in this novel, and I could relate to his setbacks. Health challenges can be a real struggle.


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Barbara: Wade and Cole Donoven are involved with the family electrical business. Emma works in the office of Donoven Electric. I had to learn the terms for electrical parts and how a trade business is run. One of the electricians that worked in my own home told me a story about a burning power cord. You will find a bad power cord in this book.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Escape to Whispering Creek?

Barbara: The final line in this excerpt is one of my favorites because it fits Emma’s personality.

“You don’t think the press will follow you down here, do you?”

“I hope not.” Emma rubbed her stiff neck. She glanced at the stars above and silently asked the Lord for protection. She didn’t want a circus on Sam’s doorstep. “Though, I never thought I would be associated with an investment fraud scandal. If I had, I certainly wouldn’t have bought a car that screams ‘look at cute little me.’”

Sam laughed. The best sound of the day. “Your life screams ‘look at cute little me.’”


When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Barbara: Being an author was never on my radar screen. I taught chapel to elementary students and enjoyed relaying Bible stories and theology in a creative way. I prayed that the Lord would give me creativity to finish my chapel lessons, and a story popped into my head. I started writing a book. I finished four books and then I finally sold one. The first book I sold was a takeoff of a Bible story. They always say to write what you know.

“Escape to Whispering Creek” is my tenth book. I never dreamed I would be an author, but God had other plans for me. Writing Christian Fiction is a blessing.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Barbara: When I was in junior high, I lived in California and participated in a 4-H club. I loved to grow vegetables and won a pin for my study of plant science.


Q: What are you currently reading? What is your favorite genre to read?

Barbara: I’m reading a middle grade novel called “A Horse for Kate” by Miralee Ferrell. I help out with my church’s library and parents are asking for more middle grade selections.

I like Christian romance novels. My favorite tropes are stuck in a storm and opposites attract.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Barbara: Writing is a tough business in the 21st Century because I not only have to write the story, but I also have to promote my work. Promotion involves being a graphic artist for images, traveling to events, teaching classes, investing in debut authors, and staying fresh with my writing and marketing skills. With the little time I have left, I enjoy baking and walking. I need to walk off the calories in the food I make. My degree is in dietetics, so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Barbara: Growing up in California, and spending a decade in Texas, I didn’t pay much attention to the seasons. I’ve lived in Wisconsin for over twenty years, and I love the fall. The colorful trees and the moderate temperatures are wonderful. Winters are tough in Wisconsin, but the snow is beautiful as long as there is no place you have to be. I learned that you have to venture out and drive in the snow because sporting games do not get called when there are only flurries.

I always winterize my trunk with cat litter for traction, water bottles (Which will freeze), an ice scraper, blankets, and a box of granola bars. You probably think I’m crazy for liking the winter months. Freezing temperatures make the spring so much sweeter.

Thank you so much for being part of my tour!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an Escape to Whispering Creek prize bundle which includes: a print Copy of "Escape to Whispering Creek" and book swag, a CD of Pelican Book Group Editor's Choice novels including Barbara's "Lioness: Mahlah's Journey", a $10 Amazon gift card, a teacup and a box of Emma's favorite tea, a scented candle, a Scripture stone, and cactus stickers...just like Herbie!

Escape to Whispering Creek JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 14, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Book Spotlight: Brave by Mesu Andrews

Brave JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Brave Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam 
Series: King David's Brides #1 
Author: Mesu Andrews 
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
Release Date: October 1, 2024 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop


Excerpt from Brave


“Get to the house, Ahinoam!”

My fingers fumbled to dislodge the climbing rope that held me captive to the tree. Finally releasing it from my belt, I caught up with Abba and matched his gait stride for stride. Jezreel’s watchmen finally sounded the t’ruah, warning of attack with nine short blasts. We reached our courtyard gate, heard faraway screams. Like a long-­forgotten nightmare come to life.

“Hide! Now!” Abba pushed me through our curtained doorway. Tools thudded onto a goatskin on the packed dirt floor while I hurried to the far corner of our single room and skidded to my knees. Metal clanged behind me as Abba added our irreplaceable forge hammers, small anvil, and best whetstones to the goatskin bundle. My fingers shook as I removed the two sideboards beneath his elevated mattress and heard Abba’s hurried footsteps behind me.

“Get in, girl!” He nudged me into the small, dark space and then shoved our smithing supplies toward my feet. His eyes met mine. “Not a word,” he said. “No matter what you see or hear. Now hold the boards in place so I can close you in.”

“Abba, I—”

“The boards!”

I replaced the sideboards over the opening, and Abba pounded them into place with his fist. With one hand I covered a sob, and with the other I clutched the dagger in my belt. Should the Amalekites discover me, they’d receive an unwelcome greeting.


Also Available:


Love Amid the Ashes Love's Sacred Song Love in a Broken Vessel In the Shadow of Jezebel


About the Author

Mesu Andrews

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media.

Connect with Mesu by visiting mesuandrews.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Brave: The Story of Ahinoam and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Brave JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Book Review: Of Gold & Shadows by Michelle Griep

 About the Book:


The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces, and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . .


My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep. Ami’s charming personality and her work as an Egyptologist drew me into the story. My interest continued to grow as the mystery/curse of the griffin appeared and created another layer. The author masterfully added in spiritual elements about God as a good, loving Father and finding one’s worth in the love of God rather than achievement. I also appreciated a theme about balancing preservation of the past with living in the present. A twist at the end surprised me and provided the happy ending for all. All-in-all, it was a beautiful story that held my attention throughout.

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep commences the Time’s Lost Treasures series, and I’m eager for the second installment. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with mystery, romance, and spiritual themes. Five stars!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


About the Author:




Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is a Christy Award-winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She's an Anglophile at heart, and you'll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel . . . but it's probably easier to find her at MichelleGriep.com.





Monday, October 7, 2024

Author Interview: The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin



About the Book


Book: The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 10, 2024

She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation.

Helena Allston had it all—wealth, beauty, and a life of luxury on her family’s plantation. But when her father arranges a marriage to a man she despises, Helena takes matters into her own hands, fleeing on horseback, only to find herself half-drowned and memory-less in a simple cottage. And when her memory returns, Helena ends up back where she began—arranged to marry, this time to the handsome gamekeeper who rescued her.

Could there be more than obligation to this marriage? Or is he only after the Windemere Plantation her father promised him?

Gideon Falconer is at a loss when it comes to the stubborn, beautiful woman he rescued from the Ashley River. His predicament only worsens when he returns her to her family’s plantation, where her father shocks him with a demand that Gideon marry his daughter to prevent a scandal. As a man new to his faith, he feels compelled to do the right thing, but his own secrets and the past left behind in England threaten to complicate matters further.

In a marriage that began as a mere obligation, can Helena and Gideon find the strength to let love and trust conquer all, despite a determined enemy’s schemes to wreck their hope?

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. 


Author Interview with Elva


Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Gamekeeper's Reluctant Bride?

Elva: I pray readers will have an exciting and satisfying time reading Gideon’s and Helena’s story, The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride, and see in action its theme, faith is not faith without corresponding actions of love for God and our fellowman. In short, we must be born again and spend time in prayer, in the Word of God, and serving with our gifts and talents versus just depending on our name being on a church roll.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Elva: You’re going to laugh, but when I was in the 7th grade, I competed with the class in writing a short story. I lived on a farm and loved horses. My simplistic horse story of Dolly who won a race, even with a broken leg, did well in the class contest. That’s when I first thought of becoming a writer. And horses are in most of my stories, as well as sailing ships, pirates and privateers, zesty heroes, and courageous heroines.


Q: What are you reading now?

Elva: Besides the Holy Bible I read through each year, I am reading the Savannah Quartet by Eugenia Price, an oldie but goodie historical series about the old South, set in Savannah and the mountain Geogia frontier in the early 1800’s. Also, I am in Book 6 of the amazing 21-book series, The Bregdan Chronicles, by Ginny Dye, covering the period before the Civil War, during the conflict, and reconstruction. It’s set in Richmond, Virginia, area plantations, Philadelphia, and the battle zones. On the non-fiction side, I’m reading an amazing older release, They Speak with Other Tongues by John Sherrill which is his testimony of coming from a dry religious background into the book of Acts power of the Holy Spirit.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Elva: Spring is my favorite season. It is the season that my dreamed writing career actually began. It followed a real low time in my life from quitting a difficult job that winter, which left me depressed, praying, and wondering what the future might hold. Staring out our patio door at the frozen landscape, I wondered if spring would ever come.

One cold morning I saw a yellow daffodil pushing up its golden head from the snow. Hope burst into my heart, and I believe the Lord planted an inspiration in my mind for a magazine article which I entitled “When Spring Came.” It’s Easter theme proclaims Jesus’ Resurrection as the first spiritual spring of the earth. I polished that short piece and searched the Writers’ Market for magazine publishers, knowing it must be too late for this coming Easter. I sent it off to a church magazine of a denomination I’d never heard of, the Assemblies of God Fellowship. They accepted, published at Easter, and paid me $30 for that article. It was one of the happiest days of my life when I opened up that check envelope. Now I was a paid writer. Paul Harvey would add, here’s the rest of the story. About 15 years later when the Lord called us into ministry, I became licensed with the Assemblies of God and entered full-time ministry.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?

Elva: I’d love for readers to sign up for my newsletter found at the top of page one on my website which also gives details about all my books and more about me. http://www.elvamartin.com

Jolene, thank you so much for this interview and have a blessed day!


More from Elva

In The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride, I planned to develop a rich, spoiled heroine who had everything she wanted—beauty, wealth, reputation, an important Charleston family name, and even membership in a popular church of her day but who had no real relationship with Jesus Christ. Isn’t that like so many in America today with our many blessings and freedom but no real love for Christ, his written Word, or his love for the unborn and his biblical plan for marriage and gender? Yet our name may be on some church roll and we call ourselves Christian. I believe our Mighty God is calling America back to him in faith and obedience to the Bible. I believe He is calling forth godly leaders who will stand for truth and righteousness, but we must go to the polls and help raise them up. America has a mighty history and a covenant cut with God by our founders. Focusing our hearts and minds on Christ gives us courage and confidence, and we can look to the future with hope in our hearts.

 

Here’s part of a scene showing the “before Christ” Helena with her pride and arrogance after Gideon rescued her from drowning in the river:

Gideon ducked his head at her icy voice. “Look, young woman, I dragged you from the Ashley River and walked miles carrying you in my arms, to this cottage. You were soaked through and through and unconscious.”

She interrupted him. “I don’t want to hear any more of your wild story. Go from my presence and shut the door while I dress.” She pointed to the cabin door, then reached up and touched the lump on her forehead and groaned. “Why did you strike me, sir?” These words came from between gritted teeth.

Gideon’s nostrils flared. “Miss or ma’am, whichever you are, I did not strike you. You must have hit your head on your horse’s neck or a rock when you two jumped into the Ashley. For your information, all I did was save your life, if you’d like to thank me for that.”

 

Here’s part of Helena’s epiphany:

Captive on the pirate ship, Helena dropped to her knees beside the bed and cried out to God. Her life paraded before her, and tears blinded her eyes. The privileged life she’d led as a wealthy planter’s daughter now seemed frivolous and meaningless. She had never lacked for a thing and had not even imagined there could be such people as the pirate captain who now had her under his control, threatening to sail to the Barbary Coast and sell her to a sultan. Would Gideon and her father ever be able to rescue her before the ship sailed away? A chill rose from her heart to her fingertips. Slavery! Would she end up in slavery? Why had she never considered the poor slaves who met all their needs on the plantation? Ever since she was a child, slaves had done everything to make her family’s life easy and pleasant. Was she now to find out what it would be like to be a slave and at the mercy of someone else’s desires and moods?…Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my proud, selfish, unthankful life. If you’re real, come into my heart, deliver me, help me come to know Your plan and purpose for me.

 

Like Helena, we can cry out to God in humble repentance and return with our whole heart, and He will always answer. We are never out of the reach of God’s eyes or  hand. Here is a simple prayer I invite you to pray for yourself and our nation in this election year:

Father God, I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son you sent to save me from my sins. I repent and turn from them to You and Your Word. Please forgive me and come into my heart, be not only my Savior, but my Lord and director of my decisions, especially my vote for righteous leaders. Help me find a Bible-preaching church family and do my part in bringing America back to You. I believe You are working mightily in my life, family and nation, and I give You praise. Amen


Blog Stops


Stories By Gina, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

For the Love of Literature, October 3 (Author Interview)

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 3

Texas Book-aholic, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6

Beauty in the Binding, October 7 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8

Guild Master, October 9 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Back Porch Reads, October 11 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, October 12

Fiction Book Lover, October 13 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 14

Pause for Tales, October 14


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elva is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5455/

Thursday, October 3, 2024

September 2024 Reading Recap & October 2024 TBR

 My September 2024 Reads: 

Wow! I read more in September than any other month this year! Two were novellas and one was a nonfiction I'd been reading for months, but the others were full length novels. 


  1. Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved this book... right up until I didn't. I knew the *thing* was coming, but I surely cried when it happened. An excellent debut novel. Review to come.

  2. The One with the Kiss Cam - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Absolutely loved the romance in this one. Read my review

  3. Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review available 10/08/24.

  4. Think This Not That by Dr. Josh Axe - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ - A self-help read with lots to consider. Read my review.

  5. To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An average Regency romance that was a fun way to spend a few hours. Read my review.

  6. Her Surprise Vacation Date by Liwen Y. Ho - ⭐⭐⭐½ - An easy, fun romcom with bookish vibes. 

  7. The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Review to come.

  8. The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson - ⭐⭐½ - A second chance romance set amid the Christmas season. Short enough to read in an afternoon, but also short on character depth and plot build up that the story needed.




Expected October 2024 Reads:
  1. The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese - My local book club's October selection.

  2. The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - Can't wait for this one!
  3.  
  4. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!

  5. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - Currently reading, but to meet my deadline, I've published this review based on what I've read so far.

  6. One Prayer Away by Lauren Fortenberry - Currently reading.

  7. Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2022 by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll.


What will you read this month? 

Book Spotlight: Tomorrow's Promise by Bethany Klassen

About the Book:


Matthew Ellison thought he had left his life as a lawman far behind. But when tales surface of a killer on the loose near Albury, his experience and skill are once again put to the test. Can he earn back the townspeople’s trust while protecting those he has come to love?

Tucked out of sight on her father’s ranch, Hazel McKinney’s dreams of finding love seem to grow more distant every day. Then a chance encounter with a charming young preacher changes everything - tossing her between dreams of the future and the present stark reality.

Nathan Royce traveled West years ago to join his uncle in the ministry. Dedicated to serving the townspeople of Albury, Texas, he tackles the job with all its challenges and heartache. Then one day Nathan runs into an intriguing young woman with a faith that matches his own. Can he protect her when danger threatens their newfound friendship and possibly even her life?


Excerpt:

“Tell me about when you were a sheriff.”

Matthew Ellison glanced up from his work to see the freckled face and bright blue eyes of the livery boy. With an amused smile, he turned back to the horse he was shoeing. His gaze skimmed the shape of the metal horseshoe as he fitted it to the animal’s hoof.

“What do you want to know?” Matthew finally asked his young friend. He snagged his hammer, tapping nails into the horse’s hoof with firm, even blows.

“Tell me about the gunfights and the rustlers, and the time you shot that outlaw in Smith’s café.” Jacob’s face was full of innocent curiosity.

Matthew looked away from the open admiration in the boy’s expression, suddenly feeling much older than his twenty-seven years.

“I wasn’t even the sheriff when I shot that man.” Memories barreled back from that time years ago when he had just arrived in Albury. Hidden within the hills of Texas, the small town offered refuge from a vengeful gang of outlaws—a gang he had abandoned after the death of his cousin.

“Did ya really beat him to the draw?” Jacob’s voice was full of wonder.

“Reckon I did.” Matthew tapped the last nail into the hoof. “Hand me that rasp, will you?”

Jacob snatched it up and shoved it at Matthew. “And then you became sheriff, right? That must’ve been exciting!”

“Exciting?” Matthew shook his head with a chuckle. He filed the sharp edges off the nails now protruding from the horse’s hoof. “It was a lot of hard work and long hours, with some action here and there. Sheriffing wouldn’t be for everyone, Jacob.”

“But it were for you, weren’t it?” asked the boy eagerly. “How come you stopped, Matt? How come?”

“You know how come.” Matthew lowered the hoof and straightened, looking down at the boy. “I wasn’t honest when I took the job. I didn’t tell the townspeople about my past.”

“You mean because you were an outlaw?” Instead of mirroring Matthew’s serious expression, Jacob’s eyes sparkled. “What was it like?”

Matthew sighed. “You’re full of questions today, aren’t you?”

He picked up his toolbox and started back toward the stables. The instant he turned, a gunshot exploded from somewhere nearby. Matthew wheeled around, his gaze darting past Jacob’s wide-eyed expression to the street beyond.

“Matt?” Jacob’s voice held a tremor.

Matthew didn’t reply. Another shot blasted through town, followed closely by two more. Matthew spotted a man with ragged clothes and shoulder-length hair standing in front of one of the newer buildings. He held a pistol in each hand and yelled indiscernibly as he pulled off one wild shot after the other.

People scurried into buildings all through town, trying to avoid stray bullets.

“You can stop him, can’t you, Matt?” Jacob grabbed his arm in a death grip, his voice trembling.

Matthew’s fingers groped subconsciously at his hip for the pistol that wasn’t there.

Another gunshot assaulted the afternoon. Jacob’s fingers clenched tighter. “Matt?”

“Stay here,” Matthew told him, prying the boy’s hands off of his arm. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Moving along the fronts of buildings, Matthew slowly covered the distance to the shooter.


About the Author:


Bethany Klassen has been writing stories ever since she learned to put words on paper. Her debut novel SINS OF THE PAST is a Christian Western that explores themes of redemption and faith. Bethany's goal in writing is to entertain readers with action-packed books that portray Biblical truths.

You'll find Bethany training horses in her backyard, drinking coffee by the gallons while she plots her next book, or sharing new projects with her readers on Instagram (@bethany_klassen_).

Connect with Bethany at her website: bethanyklassenbooks.com